Zito to the Giants

by Tyler Bleszinski on Dec 28, 2006 8:38 AM PST in News

[EDITOR'S NOTE: The deal is official now. 7 years, $126 million smackeroos. I'd like to point out that I've already found out what Bonds and Zito's first exchange was like.

"S'up, Barry."
"Grrrrr."
"I'm really glad that I don't have to pitch to you any more."
"Barry annoyed. Leave Barry alone."
"Seriously, man, I think we could possibly be the two greatest Barrys ever to gather in one place. That's so freaking zen, dude."
"Barry trying to watch Dancing with the Stars. Barry could have a future doing the robot in the finale. Barry wants you to shut up."
"Wait, I just thought that maybe Barry Manilow and Marion Barry might've had some kind of cosmic connection, if you know what I mean? "
"Barry says there's just one Barry."
"Wow, I just thought of another connection, I pitch left-handed and you hit left-handed. This is so wild! Hey, you like John Mayer?"
"Barry getting angry at funny haired, too-in-touch-with-his-feminine-side surfer dude. Barry's boy Greg knows some new prison torture techniques. Barry thinks you should shut up."
"Fathers, be good to your daughters, Daughters will love like you do, Girls become lovers who turn into mothers, So mothers, be good to your daughters too."
Cut to Giants trainer:

"Barry Zito will be put on the 60-day DL with a concussion due to him accidentally stumbling and falling head first into his acoustic guitar. Oddly enough, the guitar was split clean over his head when we found him. He must've had quite a hard fall."

Should be interesting times across the Bay. - Blez]

MLB.com is stating that Barry Zito is reportedly going to be signing with the San Francisco Giants.

The Rangers have been told that Barry Zito is signing elsewhere. One source said that the Rangers expect Zito to sign with the San Francisco Giants. The Rangers offered Zito a six-year deal worth approximately $80 million. But apparently it wasn't enough to lure him to Texas.

While I can't stand the Giants mostly because of Barry Bonds, I think it would be a smart move for Zito. The NL West is a weak division and Zito could have a shot at the playoffs. I also think he would've gotten torn to shreds in New York had he signed there. I've said this many times, but his "I just didn't attack the hitters enough" schtick would be fodder for the jackal columnists and news radio hosts all over the city that never sleeps. Of course, I think he would've had a very good chance of winning a World Series with the Mets and not so much with the Giants. San Francisco has one more season of going for it with aging stars (if they can do it this year) and then they will likely be in full-blown rebuilding mode.

And then Zito becomes Miguel Tejada. A competitive guy on a bad, bad team.

Now I'm not going to count this deal as done before I see it reported in multiple places, but MLB is usually pretty accurate in its reporting.

I'm really glad he's going to the NL if that's the case. The A's will likely have to face him at least once a year in interleague, but it isn't like he's going to be on the Rangers or Mariners. It would've really hurt to see that happen.

It also makes sense for Zito as he gets to remain somewhere that he's extremely comfortable, his parents don't have to take long plane rides to see him pitch, he gets the money he wants and the two most famous Barrys in baseball get to hug it out, bitch. Oh and Zito gets to move from the A's who are perceived as small market to the large market Giants.

Tweet Comment 212 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by gotgreen on Dec 28, 2006 8:39 AM PST reply actions

I'd rather have him in SF

than Texas or Seattle. No question.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Dec 28, 2006 8:45 AM PST up reply actions

Or the Yankee-shmoes...

I so agree.

"So, whatever, Ozzie." -- Nick Swisher

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Dec 28, 2006 9:24 AM PST up reply actions

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm a local and like the Giants too. And, he's not going to the Rangers. Or the Mariners. Or the Yankees. Or the Dodgers.

I'll be happy to root for him in the orange and black. Nonetheless, he's not going to be happy finishing third behind the Dodgers and Padres. But his ERA will be plenty good in that damp Mammoth Cavern of a ballpark.

by Mark H on Dec 28, 2006 10:43 AM PST up reply actions

the writer of that article

apparently doesn't know that Zito hasn't lived in San Francisco for several years now.

I tend to think that -- now that Texas appears to be pulling out -- Boras is using the SF story to try to increase his leverage with the Mets.

by OaklandSi on Dec 28, 2006 8:40 AM PST reply actions

I'm not so sure

Something I hadn't thought of until today is Zito's parents. I know a while back Z's Mom was really sick and couldn't ride on planes to see him pitch. So they would drive up to Oakland for his starts. If he signs in NY, they'd never get to see him pitch anymore.

I know his parents and especially his Mom are really, really important to him. If SF is anywhere close to the Rangers money, I wouldn't doubt seeing that happen.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Dec 28, 2006 8:43 AM PST up reply actions

NY still a possibility

Blez, you're right about his mother not being well, but wasn't it written that his parents would get an apartment if he did sign in NY so they could visit & watch him pitch? I can't believe he will sign with SF... he said he wanted to win.

by oaklandbbfan on Dec 28, 2006 8:48 AM PST up reply actions

Well, it has been reported that he's flaky...

which he vehemently denied and got his knickers bunched up. I'd love to see him try and justify "playing for an owner who has the same goal to win multiple championships." Hahahaha

Two-thirds of the earth is covered by water, the other third is covered by Kotsay.

by carp on Dec 28, 2006 8:54 AM PST up reply actions

Flaky?

I think some of the media (who don't cover him regularly) may call him flaky, but he's just a different kind of guy, not the typical MLB player (yoga, meditation etc.) I just don't see this as a good move for him, except for the money. His best chance at winning is NY.

by oaklandbbfan on Dec 28, 2006 9:02 AM PST up reply actions

yes, flaky

as in you say one thing (I want titles) and then have Boras sign you up to play in a retirement home for a rediculous amount of money for inconsistent pitching. He's not following his dream of multiple championships! He's trying to get paid! He should have just said that, and then he wouldn't have been a flake.

Two-thirds of the earth is covered by water, the other third is covered by Kotsay.

by carp on Dec 28, 2006 9:23 AM PST up reply actions

Hmmm...

Are there really any fans left who still take any player at face value when he says "it's not about the money"?

Dude, it's always about the money.

by Aaron C on Dec 28, 2006 9:31 AM PST up reply actions

I agree and he doesn't need to lie

Two-thirds of the earth is covered by water, the other third is covered by Kotsay.

by carp on Dec 28, 2006 9:41 AM PST up reply actions

Zito moved out of the Marina?

Where is/(was) his current in-season home?

by BleacherDave on Dec 28, 2006 9:46 AM PST up reply actions

Compensation pick?

So we would get a #1 vs a sandwich pick, yes?

by easyraider on Dec 28, 2006 8:42 AM PST reply actions

I think we get both

don't we?

Two-thirds of the earth is covered by water, the other third is covered by Kotsay.

by carp on Dec 28, 2006 8:45 AM PST up reply actions

Supp. 1st and a 2nd

This guy is dead! We'll list him as day-to-day for possible reincarnation.

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Dec 28, 2006 9:11 AM PST up reply actions

Thanks

Couldn't remember if it was a better record or worse record that resulted in an actual first round pick. Makes sense when you think about it.

Oh well.

by easyraider on Dec 28, 2006 9:51 AM PST up reply actions

McCovey Chronicles

reporting 8 year deal! Hahahahaha

Two-thirds of the earth is covered by water, the other third is covered by Kotsay.

by carp on Dec 28, 2006 8:46 AM PST reply actions

well

the giants DO like to keep their players around until they're old.

by gotgreen on Dec 28, 2006 8:49 AM PST up reply actions

Worst place 4 Zito

SF would absolutely be the worst place for Barry to land. He does not pitch well in cold weather. We all know this. Does he? Having been forced to spent a good amount of time at AT&T this last season (I did parlay that into some time in Oakland as well!) it is COLD. All season! I think this would be a big bust for Barry and the Giants if he ends up on the wrong side of the bay.

I'm not going to Cooperstown until Rickey does.

by rickey24 on Dec 28, 2006 8:47 AM PST reply actions

I think MLB.com also

reported Hudson to the Dodgers before he got shipped to the Braves. Woops. T.R. Sullivan doesn't exactly scream "Pulitzer."

Two-thirds of the earth is covered by water, the other third is covered by Kotsay.

by carp on Dec 28, 2006 8:57 AM PST reply actions

Why the Giants?

He's already here, it's not really a new market for him. It's NOT a bigger media market as long as Bonds is there like a black hole sucking in all the coverage. (until he shuts it down after he breaks the record)
Barry won't even go to the playoffs with the Giants, now or in the future 7 years.
Seems to me, except for the money, he should stay in Oakland. His parents are close, he can go to the playoffs and win a championship. He can get a long term deal, heck he can prolly get a piece of ownership. He can play in the same uniform his entire career(name more than 3 others who've done that lately). The only downsides are the media backwater and the money. Both are supposed to be the last things on his mind. His agent will make this impossible of course. So, he'll go to the Giants and be back on the A's in a couple years.

by Uncle Bob @ Athletics Nation on Dec 28, 2006 8:57 AM PST reply actions

Should stay?

Has he received any sort of competitive offer from Oakland? Hasnt been reported anywhere if he has.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Dec 28, 2006 9:11 AM PST up reply actions

So what # draft pick do we get in the first round?

Two-thirds of the earth is covered by water, the other third is covered by Kotsay.

by carp on Dec 28, 2006 9:02 AM PST reply actions

We don't

Texas, at 80-82, would have had to cough up the 16th overall pick to sign Zito.

The Giants, at 76-85, will not have to give up their #1st round pick because they have one of the 15 worse records in MLB. The A's will get a Supplemental 1st round pick and the Giants' 2nd round pick.

This guy is dead! We'll list him as day-to-day for possible reincarnation.

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Dec 28, 2006 9:11 AM PST up reply actions

what!

That's bull$hit. All we need is more parody. That way no one will make any July 31st trades because they'll all be in the chase.

Way to stick to us again Zito. May your control problems and 86 MPH fastball follow you wherever you go.

Two-thirds of the earth is covered by water, the other third is covered by Kotsay.

by carp on Dec 28, 2006 9:16 AM PST up reply actions

Yea...

Im sure he is deciding where to go based on the level of compensation the A's get for him.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Dec 28, 2006 9:17 AM PST up reply actions

Moreover

I think we should go back to the 2 division league with 2 wildcards. And the Brewers should go back to the AL. And the A's should stay in Oakland...

Two-thirds of the earth is covered by water, the other third is covered by Kotsay.

by carp on Dec 28, 2006 9:18 AM PST up reply actions

Yes, if there's one thing this F'd system needs

it's more parody.

"Ever get the feeling you've been cheated?" --Johnny Rotten

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Dec 28, 2006 1:46 PM PST up reply actions

Living close to Dodger Stadium, cool by me...

I will definitely go watch when he pitches vs the Dodgers.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Dec 28, 2006 9:06 AM PST reply actions

i will too

but i'll be wearing a dodger hat. i hate the giants, almost as much as the angels.

by methodrampage on Dec 28, 2006 10:18 AM PST up reply actions

Interesting...

I hate the Dodgers a lot more. I cant imagine being a fan of any Bay Area team and liking the Dodgers.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Dec 28, 2006 10:31 AM PST up reply actions

i grew up in the east bay

my dad was a dodgers fan. i moved on the the a's but still hold some residual fanship of the dodgers, which will probably start growing as i recently moved to LA.

by methodrampage on Dec 28, 2006 10:42 AM PST up reply actions

Ahh...that makes sense then.

Although every time I am in Dodger Stadium and they play Gibson's HR, I realize I could never root for them.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Dec 28, 2006 10:43 AM PST up reply actions

also will be there

I will probably check that game out as well, the only problem is it might be hard to get tickets without going to a scalper.

by apilgrim on Dec 28, 2006 6:14 PM PST up reply actions

Not so bad for baseball reasons

but bad for the annoyance factor. Sometimes I hate living on the peninsula...

Huh. I always thought that baseball's version of a home run is the motherf---ing home run itself. -FJM

by oblique on Dec 28, 2006 9:08 AM PST reply actions

I don't get why the Giants would do this

why didn't they even make a push for Schmidt when they want to go after Zito?

Hi, I am closetasfan, and I am a NRAF, and an ANA

by closetasfan on Dec 28, 2006 9:13 AM PST reply actions

because zito is younger

and more durable.

by gotgreen on Dec 28, 2006 9:15 AM PST up reply actions

He'll be the only durable player in SF

And after Bonds retires or is taken away in handcuffs, the Giants will be in rebuilding mode for maybe the rest of Zito's contract. San Francisco Orioles, indeed.

But hey, the money is fantastic and obviously there is no pressure in SF to win the World Series, because they never have won it.

MJB

by MJB on Dec 28, 2006 9:33 AM PST up reply actions

that is true...I hate to see the outfield D

with Bonds' range/arm, Roberts pathetic arm, and whoever plays right. Of course, he is playing in the inferior league.

Two-thirds of the earth is covered by water, the other third is covered by Kotsay.

by carp on Dec 28, 2006 9:35 AM PST up reply actions

It's official

Peter Gammons is now reporting it, so it has to be true.

Goliath, dissatisfied with his size advantage, decided to buy David's sling, which took steroids.

by TexasAsfan on Dec 28, 2006 9:14 AM PST reply actions

hehe

although .. if Z goes to the giants, i'll be able to watch him trying to bat/ bunt throughout the season on tv.

by gotgreen on Dec 28, 2006 9:14 AM PST reply actions

7 years, $18 million/year reportedly

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2710389

by gotgreen on Dec 28, 2006 9:16 AM PST reply actions

Wow...

Awesome deal for Z

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Dec 28, 2006 9:19 AM PST up reply actions

wow

Is he really worth that? Congrats to him. I can't believe the state that baseball's in.

Two-thirds of the earth is covered by water, the other third is covered by Kotsay.

by carp on Dec 28, 2006 9:21 AM PST up reply actions

IF Zito Goes To S.F. You'll Know What He Is About

And what Mr. Zito will be all about if he goes to the Giants, is money.

It won't have been about all that he discussed in the press a week or so ago about winning World Series titles etc.... The Giants will be a very sub .500 team in 2007 (my guess is they will finish 20+ games under .500 in the new year) and will then start a true rebuild in 2008 without Bonds. I don't see them being contenders until at least 2009 and probably 2010 or 2011. They are a long ways off from being anything special.

Meanwhile, Zito will be locked in for 100 million with them, will win games and end up a minor footnote in the baseball books instead of a HOF pitcher with a winning club.

Choose carefully Barry.

~This is a simple game...You throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the ball. YOU GOT IT!?!

by BornInOakland @ Athletics Nation on Dec 28, 2006 9:17 AM PST reply actions

How bout staying close to home?

I think it is crazy to think that doesnt have an impact.....Sure, the big money is important, who wouldnt it be to, but staying close to home likely had a huge factor.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Dec 28, 2006 9:21 AM PST up reply actions

If

he wants to sign with the Giants then he obviously couldn't give a damn about a ring...

"We do it a little different here in Oakland" -Jay Payton

by iloveoakland on Dec 28, 2006 9:19 AM PST reply actions

Well Giant fans will have so much fun watching

Bengie Molina chasing the 57ft curve ball back to the screen, because he can't block the balls anymore like he could 100lbs ago.

by theblackpearl on Dec 28, 2006 9:22 AM PST reply actions

Hadn't even thought of that

Barry better hope that his curve breaks, because Molina can't get up that quickly. There could be a whole lot of wild pitches and passed balls happening at AT&T next season.

Kettlecorn! Swishercorn!

by TurnTwo on Dec 28, 2006 10:01 AM PST up reply actions

Wow

Didn't see that coming.

by Philip Christy on Dec 28, 2006 9:23 AM PST reply actions

I guess it's good news for Zito stalkers...

...they won't have to move after all.

Uh oh -- How is GreenNGoldGirl going to react to this?

"So, whatever, Ozzie." -- Nick Swisher

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Dec 28, 2006 9:23 AM PST reply actions

I just checked McCovey Chronicles

and nobody has registered OrangeNBlackGirl. Yet.

Huh. I always thought that baseball's version of a home run is the motherf---ing home run itself. -FJM

by oblique on Dec 28, 2006 9:26 AM PST up reply actions

It won't happen...

...at least not by our GNGG.

"So, whatever, Ozzie." -- Nick Swisher

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Dec 28, 2006 6:03 PM PST up reply actions

Never.

I'm GreenNGoldGirl forever :]

"The separation between good and great is mental. It's about conviction. It's about commitment. I really believe that." --Barry Zito

by GreenNGoldGirl on Dec 28, 2006 6:11 PM PST up reply actions

It's too late anyway.

I just registered as OrangeNBlackGirl AND BlackNOrangeGirl!

OK, not really..

Huh. I always thought that baseball's version of a home run is the motherf---ing home run itself. -FJM

by oblique on Dec 28, 2006 10:32 PM PST up reply actions

Well...

Now he can work on his music... in October.

HOW 'BOUT THEM COWBOYS?!?!

by JLaff on Dec 28, 2006 9:25 AM PST reply actions

congrats to Z!

what a great contract for him. does he deserve that much? eh, probably not but what player does?

i absolutely hate the thought of seeing zito in orange and black (YUCK) but at least i'll still get to watch that sexy curveball on tv once or twice a week. i'll also get a good laugh at watching him trying to bat too. PLUS we'll get to see him in interleague play!

i'm really surprised he picked the giants over the other teams especially since he said that it's all about trying to win rings now. the giants are full of aging, declining players and without bonds soon, they're going to be in a serious rebuilding mode.

their pitching staff will be fun to watch now though with zito, lowry and cain in it.

hopefully Z will be happy across the bay and not become like miggy like blez said - a competitive guy on a bad, bad team.

by gotgreen on Dec 28, 2006 9:29 AM PST reply actions

he was never trying to win rings

it was a front because he felt guilty (subconsciously) about acquiring an obscene amount of cash $. If it was really about the rings and family, he could have said something along the lines of, "I'm willing to play for the A's at rock bottom price so I can be close to my family and win rings. Furthermore, I will make plenty of money since I'm single and I made $15 mil the last 2 years."

Two-thirds of the earth is covered by water, the other third is covered by Kotsay.

by carp on Dec 28, 2006 9:33 AM PST up reply actions

Seriously?

He has won ZERO rings in Oakland.....Why would he stay here to win rings?

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Dec 28, 2006 9:39 AM PST up reply actions

Titles: Oakland 4, SF 0

And we made it to the ALCS last year and Z disappointed us with errant pitch after errant pitch in Game 1. How many titles do you think he'll win in SF? Truth be told, it was never about titles...Zito just used it as an excuse.

Two-thirds of the earth is covered by water, the other third is covered by Kotsay.

by carp on Dec 28, 2006 9:45 AM PST up reply actions

Sure, but you said

he should stay here if he wanted to win titles. The fact is that he won ZERO here. Whether or not the A's won in 1989 and the freakign 1970's has ZERO to do with whether he will win one in Oakland. The four titles mean dead zero to whether the A's will win now.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Dec 28, 2006 9:48 AM PST up reply actions

The A's are certainly a helluva lot closer

than the Giants are. Care to contest that?

Two-thirds of the earth is covered by water, the other third is covered by Kotsay.

by carp on Dec 28, 2006 9:50 AM PST up reply actions

No...

but that wasn't what you said. You made it seem like the A's had dominated and he won a bumch of rings here and that to win more he should stay. Fact is he won dead zero here.....can't win fewer elsewhere. Not to mention the A's have not even given him any sort of offer that we know of.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Dec 28, 2006 9:54 AM PST up reply actions

And the A's as they are constructed right now...

I dont happen to think they are that close at the moment. They need a lot of injury prone guys to step up to compete as they are currently set up.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Dec 28, 2006 9:55 AM PST up reply actions

I think you missed a piece of information last

week or so. Zito (as reported by SuSlu in the Chronicle) "wanted to play for an owner with the same vision of winning MULTIPLE titles and that money was secondary." Ahh, but actions speak louder than words after first signing up Boras and then signing with the Giants of all teams.

If he signed with the Mets or Angels, then I would believe his story. Texas, M's, and Giants? Yeah right.

His former team (A's) fits Zito's wishes than most of the teams mentioned in contention. It would have been funny to see the A's even low ball him so that he could a) play close to home and b) have a chance at multiple rings. Our A's, per typical superstar free agent protocol, didn't even make him an offer I think.

Two-thirds of the earth is covered by water, the other third is covered by Kotsay.

by carp on Dec 28, 2006 10:06 AM PST up reply actions

I saw the quote...

I just dont think the A's fit into that quote and the facts back that up.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Dec 28, 2006 10:09 AM PST up reply actions

They fit it more than SF does.

"Kotsay is 31... Kotsay's back is 127." - Jeepers

by Ozzz on Dec 28, 2006 10:35 AM PST up reply actions

Giants' pitchers

You are forgetting Jonathan Sanchez and Tim Lincecum. I think the Giants will have a stellar rotation of young pitchers once they get rid of Matt Morris.

by Franklin on Dec 28, 2006 10:13 AM PST up reply actions

SF Chron is also reporting the deal now

by OaklandSi on Dec 28, 2006 9:33 AM PST reply actions

note to Slusser

i before e except after c.

there are exceptions, but "receive" isn't one of them

by OaklandSi on Dec 28, 2006 10:40 AM PST up reply actions

Don't mind him with the Giants

and I'm glad he's out of the American League if the reports are true, and according to Mychael Urban, T.R. Sullivan has credible sources. Then again, this could be a ploy by Scott Boras to bolster the Yankees' offer.

I Blog: http://www.operationathletics.typepad.com/

by ProfessorOakland on Dec 28, 2006 9:33 AM PST reply actions

I don't think SF was a aver good choice, for Barry

since he depends on a bullpen so often through the season, when he has 99 pitches in the 4th inning. He also goes from Houston Street, to Armando Benitez as closer, Barry will be 11-11, with a 4.30 ERA, and 19 ND.

by theblackpearl on Dec 28, 2006 9:36 AM PST reply actions

A good point.

The Giants bullpen is dreadful.

Kettlecorn! Swishercorn!

by TurnTwo on Dec 28, 2006 10:03 AM PST up reply actions

W/L might be right

But I doubt his ERA is going to rise half a run in moving to the NL and pitching half of his games in the NL's worst park for HR's. I'd actually expect the first couple of years for Zito to be pretty damn good, as hitters won't be used to him right away. If the Giants pen can protect some leads for him, I think he'll have an outside shot at the NL Cy Young next year, but it will be his only such chance until maybe the last year or two of his deal.

"You're a terrible ballplayer, but you've always been a great asshole."-salb918 on Ozzie Guillen

by gatling on Dec 28, 2006 10:25 AM PST up reply actions

41 starts?

by danh on Dec 28, 2006 11:08 AM PST up reply actions

Looks like the Giants

will truly be Barryed in the standings.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Dec 28, 2006 9:37 AM PST reply actions

Barroid and Baseonballsoid?

"Kotsay is 31... Kotsay's back is 127." - Jeepers

by Ozzz on Dec 28, 2006 10:36 AM PST up reply actions

Big Three no more

Thinking back, out of the three, did you think Barry would be the one to cash in on the biggest contract?

He did grab the Cy Young in 2002, but a guaranteed $18 mil a year?

Way to go Scott Boras.

"Get busy living, or get busy dying." ~Andy Dufresne, The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

by PapaStomper on Dec 28, 2006 9:40 AM PST reply actions

Ha...ha...ha...

The dude arguing with Skip Bayless said that this now makes the Giants a valid World Series contender.

HOW 'BOUT THEM COWBOYS?!?!

by JLaff on Dec 28, 2006 9:43 AM PST reply actions

Well, makes them a definite contender in division.

So I guess if you go with the theory that anythign happens in playoffs......You would have laughed at someone who said St Louis would win the World Series in September last year.

I think this signing makes them co-faves with LA for the NL West now. SF rotation suddenly looks damn good on the front end.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Dec 28, 2006 9:46 AM PST up reply actions

I Wouldn't Say That

If you assume Zito will put up the same numbers that Schmidt did last year (not bloody likely) then this is the same crappy team the Giants had last year, except they traded Moises Alou for Dave Roberts, and their ancient players are a year older.

Sure, Matt Cain and Noah Lowry will get better, but that doesn't make up for the rest of the team getting worse. The Giants are nowhere near a competitive team.

http://www.truebluela.com

by regfairfield on Dec 28, 2006 10:19 AM PST up reply actions

Yeah

Contenders in a really weak division! They might get into the first round but will be most likely be toast after that.

by anomaly_kat on Dec 28, 2006 10:32 AM PST up reply actions

What a contast of fortune

compared to Mark Mulder. Who would have thought Mulder would be getting change and Zito would be getting 125 mil two years ago

Hi, I am closetasfan, and I am a NRAF, and an ANA

by closetasfan on Dec 28, 2006 9:45 AM PST reply actions

7 years/ 127 MILLION DOLLARS

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

You got to love Brian Sabean. I suppose it's better than overpaying for GMjr. Have fun Giants fans.

"That's where the fish live."

by DCinWC on Dec 28, 2006 9:48 AM PST reply actions

better than Texas

At least we get the draft picks-Sabean would just waste them.

He's a flyball pitcher in a cavernous ballpark. Should work out well.

Hudson, Mulder, Zito, Giambi, Isringhausen, Chavez, Tejada, and Olmedo Saenz... The Age that will forever be known as... Olmedo Times

by olmedotimes on Dec 28, 2006 9:48 AM PST reply actions

Slusser is reporting it

He's supposed to be introduced as the Giants' newest acquisition tomorrow

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2006/12/28/SPzito28.DTL

by OaklandSi on Dec 28, 2006 9:48 AM PST reply actions

f*cking ESPN...

If you look at Question 7 of their SportsNation poll they ask which team would have been the best fit for Zito, and they don't even include the A's as a choice!

I mean, I knew there was no chance he'd stay, and I think SF is a great fit for Z, but still...hands down, Oakland was the best choice, money aside.

Speaking of which, how much of a percentage does Boras take from the contracts his players sign? I mean, Boras might be making more each year than the players he represents!

Me and your kid probably have the same IQ!! -Swisher to Chavvy

My Blog

by rungood on Dec 28, 2006 9:50 AM PST reply actions

That poll is absurd

Obviously we expect cluelessness from the "geniuses" at espn.com, but really...

"How will Zito fare in San Francisco" First "answer" offered is "He'll excel in a more competitive environment."

Maybe they mean "more competitive" in the sense that every team in their division has a puncher's chance of winning 83 games and the division, and the NL is so weak that any team in the playoffs has a decent shot.

Or maybe they mean "more competitive" in the sense that S.F. fans have to be satisfied with being "competitive" rather than winning.

MJB

by MJB on Dec 28, 2006 10:01 AM PST up reply actions

i saw that question

and almost died laughing, is it sarcasm? cause it seems a little distasteful, either that or they are completly retarded.

by OAKobsession on Dec 28, 2006 10:16 AM PST up reply actions

more competitive

I think the NL West is more competitive. Our division is a two horse race once August ends.

by apilgrim on Dec 28, 2006 6:22 PM PST up reply actions

# 75

That number would look weird on a Giants uniform...

Then again, Bonds' stretched out uniform kinda looks like a 75...

"Get busy living, or get busy dying." ~Andy Dufresne, The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

by PapaStomper on Dec 28, 2006 9:51 AM PST reply actions

I think I can safely say ...

... that I called it. I was short on the dollars, but I believe the last year I've pretty consistently been pegging Z to the Giants for 6-7 years at $105M+.

I'm triply happy -- for Z for signing a contract that likely satisfies him on multiple levels, for the Giants for what will likely be a reasonable contract for the first 3-4 years (and given salary escalation, may even be reasonable to its terminus), and for myself that I can continue to root for my favorite (ex-)A playing for my second-favorite team.

you corrupt bitches @('.')@

by monkeyball on Dec 28, 2006 9:52 AM PST reply actions

Very nice call...

I was very certain it would be the Mets in the end.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Dec 28, 2006 9:56 AM PST up reply actions

yeah...I heard

lots of people saying "Mark it down, it's the Mets." The Giants just swooped on in. I bet the Chronicle wishes it got the early scoop.

Two-thirds of the earth is covered by water, the other third is covered by Kotsay.

by carp on Dec 28, 2006 10:09 AM PST up reply actions

Can't wait to hear KNBR callers

to say "Man, he makes $18 million/yr and can't throw a first pitch strike. What was Sabean thinking getting a flyball pitcher with geriatric outfielders patrolling the expansive Phone Booth."

At least he got his loot. Hopefully he'll be able to sleep at night knowing he openly lied to the public.

Two-thirds of the earth is covered by water, the other third is covered by Kotsay.

by carp on Dec 28, 2006 9:57 AM PST reply actions

Hahahaha....Im sure he will have lots of trouble

sleeping.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Dec 28, 2006 9:59 AM PST up reply actions

true

Two-thirds of the earth is covered by water, the other third is covered by Kotsay.

by carp on Dec 28, 2006 10:07 AM PST up reply actions

Oh come on

How did he "lie" to the public? This signing may have been about money to some degree, but the guy's staying home in his comfort zone. Had he signed with Texas or someone, I could see the criticism, but this makes perfect sense for Barry.

by Crosbino on Dec 28, 2006 10:11 AM PST up reply actions

Wants to play for "multiple titles"?

He'll get his shot in SF. "Most fucked up contract", "Oldest team", "team most likely to win 35 games"...

Many titles he can win there.

In terms of whether or not he'll sleep at night - $126m buys a lot of therapist couch time. Heck, he could pay someone to sleep for him.

"Kotsay is 31... Kotsay's back is 127." - Jeepers

by Ozzz on Dec 28, 2006 10:42 AM PST up reply actions

careful with that superlative, Oz

"Most"? I think there are easily half a dozen contracts just this offseason that are arguably-to-significantly more fucked up.

I agree that the Giants have some serious structural roster problems, and play in a weak-ass division, and aren't likely to get appreciably better in '07 or '08. But Z's contract ain't gonna be what sinks 'em.

you corrupt bitches @('.')@

by monkeyball on Dec 28, 2006 10:50 AM PST up reply actions

True dat.

The most fucked up contract has to be that given to Bonds. That's just plain loco.

In comparison to that one, Zito's gig is like giving Nancy Kerrigan noogies after Tonya Harding has left the building with pipe in hand.

"Kotsay is 31... Kotsay's back is 127." - Jeepers

by Ozzz on Dec 28, 2006 1:41 PM PST up reply actions

First of all ...

... no one ever lifted any of TH's latents off that pipe. Mutt & Jeff were pretty clearly the wielders.

Second, I think there's a decent argument to be made that the Bonds contract makes all the sense in the world from a marketing/cost-benefit perspective -- less so from an on-field perspective, but Bonds will likely still out-VORP Zito next year. Plus, they're only on the hook for a single year.

I know we're coming from different ends of the spectrum on Bonds, but if your point is that the very fact of his being signed is fucked up, that's a different kettle of fish entirely.

you corrupt bitches @('.')@

by monkeyball on Dec 28, 2006 5:14 PM PST up reply actions

Maybe in 2007

But a rotation of Cain/Lowry/Zito is a good place to start and the Giants will free up a bunch of money at the end of 2007.

This guy is dead! We'll list him as day-to-day for possible reincarnation.

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Dec 28, 2006 10:53 AM PST up reply actions

Giants' 2nd round pick

Excuse me, Oakland's new 2nd round pick, will be no earlier than 70th overall.

This guy is dead! We'll list him as day-to-day for possible reincarnation.

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Dec 28, 2006 9:58 AM PST reply actions

Goddamnit.

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Dec 28, 2006 10:09 AM PST up reply actions

Zito's a down to earth guy.

I'm sure his parents health played a factor into his choosing the Giants. Although the $144 million didn't hurt either.

by jamesc on Dec 28, 2006 10:02 AM PST reply actions

WTF?

there's a poll on ESPN about the signing and one of the questions is:

How will Zito fare in San Francisco?

and one of the choices is: He'll excel in a more competitive environment.

the A's were not in a competitive environment??

by gotgreen on Dec 28, 2006 10:02 AM PST reply actions

He didn't excel in his LAST competetive

environment: at the Coliseum, vs. the Tigers, game 1.

by Philip Christy on Dec 28, 2006 11:17 AM PST up reply actions

Good deal for Barry AND for us

This is the perfect place for Zito to sign: he gets to keep his apartment in SF, stay local, stay in California, and avoid the big market media hounds that would have destroyed him after one bad start in New York. I thought he would sign with the Mets, but now that he's signed with the Giants, it makes perfect sense and I think it's the best move he could have made.

As far as his future there, we'll see ... they won't be very good in a year or two, although contrary to what Blez said, I'm not sure they'll be in FULL rebuilding mode after Bonds leaves. They'll have money to sign someone and apparently next year is a good Free Agent Class. They'll stay competitive, even if they won't be world beaters. Zito's HR tendency might be negated somewhat in SF's caverous LF area, and if the wind's blowing in, he'll do fine.

As for us, better he sign there than with Anaheim or Texas or Seattle. I can't imagine why the Angels didn't make more of a push for him. If they had, I'm sure he would have signed there.

by Crosbino on Dec 28, 2006 10:02 AM PST reply actions

I agree

I'm glad he won't be in the AL west

by OaklandSi on Dec 28, 2006 10:45 AM PST up reply actions

RE: Big market media hounds & Barry

You mean you don't think the NY media would have accepted "I was being too fine"? :-)

I can see the headlines now:

Fine THIS

I'm happy for Barry. I never believed it wasn't about the money (hiring Boras took care of that fantasy) and he has stability, which I think is important for him; he likes his routine. He's a quintessential California boy who stays in CA.

And I'm happy we won't be seeing the "good Barry" (thank you LTF) in Anaheim or Arlington. But we will still be seeing the correct Barry in charity events here in the Bay Area, & that's great.

by Batgal on Dec 28, 2006 11:05 AM PST up reply actions

Good Barry/Bad Barry

takes on a whole new perspective now, doesn't it?

by LongTimeFan on Dec 28, 2006 10:05 AM PST reply actions

I would curse you, sweet Zito, but you have

already done so.

This deal makes me feel... sad. A little ill, most definitely sad, and I'm sure I'll spend the next few weeks taking out my violence and rage against Giants fans.

Close to home, sure, whatever. The boy should be a Dodger.

I just can't stop thinking about that damn article where Zito talked about how he thought he was young enough to still put up HOF credentials, that he wants to be in the Hall and have rings and do all that in his career.

That has a 1% chance of happening with the SF Giants.

I cannot believe a guy that spent his career seeing blown saves, being around Tim "Hudsoned" Hudson would put himself around that bullpen. I cannot believe a guy that plays guitar with all the younger guys and gives excuses about not eating breakfast would put himself in the clubhouse as the greatest asshole in sports and where even Moises Alou commented to the press about how no one ever did ANYTHING together. I cannot believe a guy would put himself on a team with a completely disorganized philosophy, only having a postseason chance in the next decade based on a weak division. The Giants are a weak team. They may have a shot at a ring, but it's not about how good they are, it's about how bad their competition is.

After spending so much time talking about how glad he was to be the sole pitching leader on the team, about getting out from under the shadow of the Big Three and being on his own, he's diving right back in to the most convoluted, veteran-entrenched team around, that lives under ugly media and steroid accusations. It doesn't seem like a great way to work, I always cheered when good guys like JT Snow got outta there. I don't like seeing a good guy going there willingly.

Of course, 18 million a year and the stability of 7 years makes anything palatable. I keep waiting for the one day when something will happen in MLB that isn't about the money. I always know that I'm gonna be kicked in the teeth, but I keep waiting.

Close to home, sure. Whatever. That's a hell of a contract the Giants are offering, it's a hard thing to turn down (I'm sure Boras would have beaten up his puppy if he thought about it). But damn...

...Doesn't he know that no one, and I mean NO ONE, has ever looked good in French Vanilla?

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Dec 28, 2006 10:09 AM PST reply actions

Could be the Post of the Year

in my opinion.

Two-thirds of the earth is covered by water, the other third is covered by Kotsay.

by carp on Dec 28, 2006 10:10 AM PST up reply actions

Very good post.

Except I think you meant to say Boras would've EATEN up his puppy.

Huh. I always thought that baseball's version of a home run is the motherf---ing home run itself. -FJM

by oblique on Dec 28, 2006 10:17 AM PST up reply actions

Great Post

Thanks Kyli...

by oaklandbbfan on Dec 28, 2006 10:54 AM PST up reply actions

Hey now...

I look pretty good in French Vanilla.

Dipped in chocolate.

On a sugar cone.

French Vanilla

by Ice Cream on Dec 28, 2006 11:04 AM PST up reply actions

Mmmmm.

So the solution is we must dip Zito in chocolate?

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Dec 28, 2006 11:08 AM PST up reply actions

Careful. It may have a brittling effect.

See: ChoCoBoCro

French Vanilla

by Ice Cream on Dec 28, 2006 11:11 AM PST up reply actions

I've already thought about THAT one.

And let me tell you.... :]

"The separation between good and great is mental. It's about conviction. It's about commitment. I really believe that." --Barry Zito

by GreenNGoldGirl on Dec 28, 2006 6:14 PM PST up reply actions

Bleh.

Money, money, money.

Baseball seems more and more dead to me every day. Blech.

Remember when the A's gave Rickey $3 mil a year, and he was the highest paid in baseball at the time? It seemed so outrageously much then...

I don't find it any fun...No, not any longer. -- Will Shatter

by 66th Hegenberger on Dec 28, 2006 11:09 AM PST up reply actions

I call bullshit

This is a veritable Mad Lib of an ex-A-free-agent-signing bitchfest. Fill in <new team jersey>, <nefarious new teammate>, <counterpoint "good guy" legacy new/holdover teammate>, <money money money I'm so upset that baseball players are rich and I'm not> -- any new team he would have signed with, you would have had problems. So suck it up and get over yourself. You and I and the rest of the folks here simply. Don't. Matter. To Barry -- or to any other MLB player.

you corrupt bitches @('.')@

by monkeyball on Dec 28, 2006 11:31 AM PST up reply actions

You're half wrong.

The last two sentences (or the way it's written, four sentences) are, for all I know, correct.

I do have more of a problem with him signing with the Giants. I don't like the Giants.

I don't think I need to "get over myself". And that's my whole freakin' point. If none of us matters to the MLB player, or owner for that matter, then why should they matter to us? Or NFL player, or NBA player... I don't know, I just think I'm over pro sports.

I DJ'd a Christmas party at the Stork Club a couple weeks ago, and played a 45 by Albert Jones. Name of the song: "Vida Blue". A soul song about Vida Blue and the Oakland A's, recorded in 1971. It sounded pretty damn good in a downtown Oakland nightclub. As it played, it got me to thinking -- baseball players used to inspire people to write popular songs about them. More so than any other sport. I'm not going to go into a list, but there were plenty. People dug those songs not just because they were good, but because they felt connected to those players. And what about now? Can you imagine people giving a shit about a Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey, or Jeff Kent song? It's indicative of the connection people used to feel with players, and the lack thereof today.

From that perspective, this has been a crummy offseason for a fan of the Oakland Athletics. What used to be a team that was all about fan connection now becomes a corporate hood ornament. And the presumed poster boy for integrity now is sold to the highest bidder.

I don't have to like it. Sorry, that's just the truth. I want some players to write a damn song about. But if I wrote it, it'd be a pretty bad song.

Even worse than "Centerfield".

I don't find it any fun...No, not any longer. -- Will Shatter

by 66th Hegenberger on Dec 28, 2006 12:32 PM PST up reply actions

By the way...

There's an mp3 of a portion of "Vida Blue" at http://www.peggrecords.com/jonesalbertvidabluesoundclip.mp3

I don't find it any fun...No, not any longer. -- Will Shatter

by 66th Hegenberger on Dec 28, 2006 12:41 PM PST up reply actions

woohhaa Vida Blue

Wow, great song-what ever happened to good music?

by apilgrim on Dec 28, 2006 6:33 PM PST up reply actions

actually, since I didn't even reply to you ...

... you might want to consider that whole getting-over-yourself thing after all ...

you corrupt bitches @('.')@

by monkeyball on Dec 28, 2006 1:06 PM PST up reply actions

Yes.

Considering you quoted my post in yours, you do the same.

I don't find it any fun...No, not any longer. -- Will Shatter

by 66th Hegenberger on Dec 28, 2006 1:09 PM PST up reply actions

wow, sanity.

how refreshing, like an oasis in a desert.

"WTF is wrong with you people TASTELESS COMMENTS. I'm disgusted. Mocking a 10 year old's horrible painful death." --eshock

by rubin sierra on Dec 28, 2006 1:11 PM PST up reply actions

When the fuck did I say he should think of fans?

I'm sad he's not going somewhere that he could get a ring. I like Barry Zito, the dude was a good A and I want to see him on a team where he can do well -- I think you've should get over yourself a bit, man. Where in this post do I lament, "Oh, how could Zito not give us a ten million dollar hometown discount to stay with the A's?!". The guy was gonna be gone, I just wanted to see him go somewhere GOOD.

I don't think you know me THAT well, to assume I'd have problems with any team he went to. I've been rooting for him to go to the Dodgers or Mets, I thought both teams would be good places for him to play where he could do well. (And a dirty secret... I wouldn't have minded if he went to the Rangers).

I hatehateHATE seeing the beloved boys go, but I like seeing them go to places where they can do WELL (and aren't the Angels or Yankees or Red Sox or Giants -- this is absolutely a case of my hatred of specific franchises coloring a reaction). So it kills me to see guys like Zito and Tejada end up in crappy franchises, when they're the kind of studly guys that I would prefer to see on awesome, championship-caliber teams.

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Dec 28, 2006 1:13 PM PST up reply actions

Actually,

weirdly enough, I wouldn't have minded seeing him going to the Rangers either. Strange, that.

I think living in Dallas would've driven him nuts, though!

I don't find it any fun...No, not any longer. -- Will Shatter

by 66th Hegenberger on Dec 28, 2006 1:17 PM PST up reply actions

you write:

"I keep waiting for the one day when something will happen in MLB that isn't about the money."

That lamentation about the money is what ties your complaint to every other one about ex-A's players, and implies that he, along with the rest of them, should stay here, where the team is competitive but the money isn't good.

And I would also argue that it's absurd how the sports media in general (and you, in this case) castigate players for not heading to competitive situations. Athletes should strive for championships--when they're on the field. But when they're free agents? How is it beneficial for society or baseball or whatever when free agents seek out the most-competitive teams? As far as I'm concerned, the only virtue a player shows by citing "the desire to play for a competitive team" in his free-agent signing is that of media savvy.

"WTF is wrong with you people TASTELESS COMMENTS. I'm disgusted. Mocking a 10 year old's horrible painful death." --eshock

by rubin sierra on Dec 28, 2006 1:46 PM PST up reply actions

I think

your post is far more boilerplate than Kyli's... You could write the same thing about anyone being upset by a free agent signing for any reason.

by mikeA on Dec 28, 2006 1:44 PM PST up reply actions

I believe the phrase is ...

... "far more boilerplatey"

you corrupt bitches @('.')@

by monkeyball on Dec 28, 2006 4:55 PM PST up reply actions

i can now watch the giants

granted, every 5th game or so.........

by greendatitiz on Dec 28, 2006 10:12 AM PST reply actions

In Barry's defense....

The Giants do have a very good defensive team behind him. Bonds may be inept but the rest of the team is built on D-. It's a big park, Roberts covers a lot of ground in center and so does Wynn He gets to pitch to a pitcher every 9 AB's which should lower his era and the NL West is weak sauce. We all knew we weren't in the sweepstakes when Barry signed with Boras, so let's be happy for our guy and be glad that we can still cross the bay to see him and read about him in the local fish wrap everyday.

by jjham15 on Dec 28, 2006 10:15 AM PST reply actions

Yes, he faces a pitcher every 9 ABs....

..but let's not forget, he'll also face pitchers with bat in hand every few innings, which will likely see him pulled in tight games for pinch-hitters.

That 200/400/600 inning vesting option could start looking a little shaky if he's being taken out earlier than he would with a DH in the lineup, and his win total will suffer behind the Giants' jurassic offensive roster.

One good thing, however - this lowers the average age of the Giants roster to 142.

Huzzah for youth!

"Kotsay is 31... Kotsay's back is 127." - Jeepers

by Ozzz on Dec 28, 2006 10:49 AM PST up reply actions

If I'm reading things right

The Sup 1st round pick the A's receive should be the 35th overall.

This guy is dead! We'll list him as day-to-day for possible reincarnation.

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Dec 28, 2006 10:16 AM PST reply actions

Draft Pick Question

Is there any reason we can't get the #22 pick that the giants are picking up from the dodgers? Or does the merry go round not work that way?

by tomoyo on Dec 28, 2006 10:19 AM PST reply actions

Does not work that way

This guy is dead! We'll list him as day-to-day for possible reincarnation.

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Dec 28, 2006 10:29 AM PST up reply actions

Re blown saves,

it's a long off-season. Perhaps the Giants' next move will be to acquire a legitimate closer. Zito's chance for 300 wins may depend on it!

Re lying to the public, Zito screamed loud and clear he was all about the money. He switched agents to Scott Boras; what words could possibly speak louder, or clearer, than that action?

Opening Night, 2007, SBC Park, first batter of the game, and the count is 1-0. Book it.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Dec 28, 2006 10:22 AM PST reply actions

Well they don't need Linecum anymore with Zito

Street for Linecum.

MAKE IT HAPPEN BILLY

HA HA

by theblackpearl on Dec 28, 2006 10:30 AM PST up reply actions

April 3, 2006

I can still see it. Zito was never the same after his Cy Young year, he pitched decent, but he had a few too many starts like the above mentioned game.

"That's where the fish live."

by DCinWC on Dec 28, 2006 10:40 AM PST up reply actions

Wow! Richest Pitcher Contract !!!

For a #2 or #3 guy in your rotation !!

WOW!

(can you imagine how Matt Cain must feel about his future payday !!!!)

Looking at the entire picture:
1. Mondo buck$
2. Someone else takes the heat as the ace
3. Pitcher friendly home park
4. Faces NL hitters (and then those will be a majority of NL West hitters)

Not a bad day for Z !

Methinks Giants fans will be more frustrated than A's fans were when they hear the; "I was trying to be too fine!" comment ...

by Bleed Green on Dec 28, 2006 10:23 AM PST reply actions

Happy happy, joy joy

[Context: I've been a baseball fan since 1971, and have always rooted for the Giants first and the A's second. I very much like the A's.]

This signing makes me happier than any GM move since the Giants first signed Bonds. Because...

Barry Zito is phenomenally cool.
Zito will be a huge asset to the Giants
He doesn't have to leave San Francisco
His parents must be happy
The Giants don't lose their #1.
The A's will make better use of what they do get.
Zito will look GREAT in orange and black
Zito will be the one guy who doesn't get hurt
Zito doesn't go elsewhere in the AL West
NY would have eaten him alive
Zito gets paid well
Giants have less money to waste on the $7-12 MM bogus signings Sabean loves so much

You guys who think the long run future of the Giants is predictably mediocre haven't been paying attention to how fast teams can turn around these days.

by achiappanza on Dec 28, 2006 10:33 AM PST reply actions

Can't believe I forgot this one...

13. Dodger fans who have been yearning for Zito will just have to SUCK ON IT!

by achiappanza on Dec 28, 2006 10:36 AM PST up reply actions

Orange does nothing for Z's complexion.

Given his sensitivity regarding his "childbearing hips", he should keep in mind how the baggy Giants uniforms tend to be unflattering on the waist and hips.

Teams CAN turn around quickly these days, but given the lack of trading chips and the nosedive that the farm teams have taken, Sabean would have to do a HELL of a job on the FA market in order to try and bring the team up beyond mediocrity. And honestly, I think Sabean's inflexibility about fixing his self-created problems will make that difficult. The Giants need to seriously re-evaluate their goals and long-term planning in order to turn things around.

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Dec 28, 2006 10:49 AM PST up reply actions

Sabean questionable

Fair enough. Sabean's made some good moves, especially in the context of the sad Giants GM history, but none of them are very recent. Unless we count this one, of course.

by achiappanza on Dec 28, 2006 11:38 AM PST up reply actions

Same here...

Same here since my first game was 7/29/1966 at the original Stick, and Mr. Mays had the kindness to reward my first game with a homer that the LF turned his back to the field, stood at the fence looking up and almost had the ball blown back for an out! Second game was 9/29/1968, and Campy stole 3 bases to take the SB crown. So I love both teams, although I always root for the A's over the Giants because my birth certificate says Oakland.

I do have to laugh at Z's I want to sign somewhere that will play for championships. On Sabean's continually aging roster I do not see this happening. Whereas I do see another A's playoff run with the young guns pretty much each year Beane is in charge. The only thing positive about the G-Men now is that the pitching staff is young. Everyone else is ready for the MSBL 30 and over league.

Therefore, congratulations to Z for staying home and away from the NY cesspool of reportage.

OT - Go Cal (I'm class of 92), beat the Aggies so I can rub it in the face of every Aggie I encounter down here in Houston!

by AAAAAces on Dec 28, 2006 11:10 AM PST up reply actions

Will Zito keep the white cleats?!

by asfan777 on Dec 28, 2006 10:36 AM PST reply actions

I find it ironic

That we spent so much time on here discussing the possibility of stealing SF's Barry and in the end, they where the ones who stole our Barry.

by Amnesiac727 on Dec 28, 2006 10:41 AM PST reply actions

Next Topic: Mulder

With the D-Backs "interested" in the Big Unit, Mulder gets pushed out of their mix.

What are the chances the A's would then try and make a move for a former member of the Big Three?

"Get busy living, or get busy dying." ~Andy Dufresne, The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

by PapaStomper on Dec 28, 2006 10:41 AM PST reply actions

listening to KNBR

(yeah I know, but they are talking about this signing, and may have Zito on perhaps). They are speculating that the A's might make a competitive offer for Mulder.

by OaklandSi on Dec 28, 2006 10:47 AM PST up reply actions

The tepid dorks on KNBR

are talking about Zito like they've never heard of him, and are letting their listeners know who this crazy "surfer dude" is.

I should learn to never tune in to 680.

by Mark H on Dec 28, 2006 10:47 AM PST reply actions

I thought about listening

to see what they're saying, and to call them up and remind them that Zito's golden days will always belong to the A's faithful... Then I realized that listening to KNBR is bad for your health. Don't subject yourself to them!

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Dec 28, 2006 10:51 AM PST up reply actions

KNBR this morning

When I was listening to KNBR earlier this morning the host was Urban, so he's not your run of the mill A's-clueless dork.

by achiappanza on Dec 28, 2006 11:44 AM PST up reply actions

spot on

Heh, that is a spot on judgement there. How can you be a baseball fan in the bay area and not have seen Zito pitch a few times a year?

by apilgrim on Dec 28, 2006 6:37 PM PST up reply actions

some details on the Texas offer

as well as a few more details on the Giants contract are reported here (of course we don't know it's certain, but the Texas details make sense):

http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061228&content_id=1768110& ;vkey=hotstove2006&fext=.jsp

by OaklandSi on Dec 28, 2006 10:52 AM PST reply actions

Sorry, I couldn't get past the first line.

The Giants' rotation has just got better.

Ow.

Huh. I always thought that baseball's version of a home run is the motherf---ing home run itself. -FJM

by oblique on Dec 28, 2006 10:58 AM PST up reply actions

ouch.

I can truly say, I felt something in my chest when i heard the news. When I saw that it was true, I started crying.

The love of my life has left.

"The separation between good and great is mental. It's about conviction. It's about commitment. I really believe that." --Barry Zito

by GreenNGoldGirl on Dec 28, 2006 10:54 AM PST reply actions

Aww. :-(

I'm sorry, GNGG. :-(

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Dec 28, 2006 11:01 AM PST up reply actions

zito heartbreak

the bright side is that it's good practice for the dating world.

by vk on Dec 28, 2006 11:11 AM PST up reply actions

ha. seriously.

I feel like i just got dumped after 8 years.

"The separation between good and great is mental. It's about conviction. It's about commitment. I really believe that." --Barry Zito

by GreenNGoldGirl on Dec 28, 2006 12:15 PM PST up reply actions

Hey atleast he'll be next door

by Amnesiac727 on Dec 28, 2006 11:13 AM PST up reply actions

with

ONBG

by methodrampage on Dec 28, 2006 12:22 PM PST up reply actions

my condolences GNGG

at least u're lucky enough to be a fan of the A's: for although we tend to loose our favorites - we tend to always have a clubhouse full of new guys who are truly good guys making it easy to root for and love them even more.

"Length matters, and if anyone tells you otherwise they're just trying to spare your feelings."-green star oakland

by F171615 on Dec 28, 2006 11:14 AM PST up reply actions

He was never worthy of your love.

You'll do better.

This guy is dead! We'll list him as day-to-day for possible reincarnation.

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Dec 28, 2006 12:17 PM PST up reply actions

Worst thing about this deal?

Having to endure the gloats of Giants fans in my office.
I'm sorry to see Barry go -- I saw his first start with the A's and got to probably 75-80% of the rest. If it weren't for his penchant for the Thursday afternoon games, it would have been more. But if he was going to end up somewhere else, I'd rather it be SF than anywhere else -- does the A's no harm.

"I had to turn my weaknesses into my strengths." -- Milton Bradley, October 6, 2006

by Englishmajor on Dec 28, 2006 10:59 AM PST reply actions

Don't worry about the gloating

By the end of the year, you will be the one gloating when the A's have a better record than the Giants.

by Philip Christy on Dec 28, 2006 11:26 AM PST up reply actions

He's the new Vida....

....rocking it from both sides of the Bay. He'll be a fixture at Bay Area sporting events for years to come.

by may7 on Dec 28, 2006 11:00 AM PST reply actions

KNBR playing Zito's song

"the boy next door"

by OaklandSi on Dec 28, 2006 11:04 AM PST reply actions

NOOOO!

They can take the man from us, but they dare to take his music?!?!

NOOOOOO!

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Dec 28, 2006 11:07 AM PST up reply actions

Help Me..

My question is, how do I explain this to my kid?

"Son, Barry is stuck on the bay bridge traffic on his way to the bank and to use that brand new atm card that Boras got him for x-mas"

That's just not going to cut it.

by DaThirdDeck on Dec 28, 2006 11:10 AM PST reply actions

a little high

I think that the Giants might have overpaid for Zito. 18 million is very high for a number 2 starter.

by 3Chavy3 on Dec 28, 2006 11:10 AM PST reply actions

Overpaid

"might have overpaid for Zito"

You win the award for understatement of the year my friend.

by Threepwood XX on Dec 28, 2006 11:19 AM PST up reply actions

Must be said

I have to say, I'd rather have Manny Ramirez or A-Rod for a little more than what they're paying Barry Zito. I think this is money that makes far more sense for someone like Roy Halladay or Johan Santana. Zito's only been near that rare company a few years ago and he certainly doesn't look like that now with his slowly falling peripheral numbers.

by tomoyo on Dec 28, 2006 11:26 AM PST up reply actions

Imagine when Johan hits the market

$20+ mil a year. Hell, he might make more than A-Rod.

by Philip Christy on Dec 28, 2006 11:27 AM PST up reply actions

Johan

Yeah, he is the most dominant pitcher we have seen in a while. He is worth the big bucks.

by apilgrim on Dec 28, 2006 6:38 PM PST up reply actions

Johan

johan is the best pitcher in baseball though if Zito is worth 18 mil per year Joahn must be worthe 20-25 per year then according to the numbers.

by 3Chavy3 on Dec 28, 2006 1:14 PM PST up reply actions

Mychael Urban guest hosting now

on KNBR

by OaklandSi on Dec 28, 2006 11:18 AM PST reply actions

he says it was the guaranteed

seventh year that sealed the deal.

by OaklandSi on Dec 28, 2006 11:36 AM PST up reply actions

Christ. Wow.

by Alien @ Athletics Nation on Dec 28, 2006 11:25 AM PST reply actions

bye bye barry

and good riddance.

123 million for the most overrated FA to hit the market since hampton. haha. one great yr and the dude (along with a that idiot boras) turns it into a 123 million dollar pay day.

and people wonder why most in the general hate major league baseball.

123 million dollars for basically .500 pitcher who probably won't pitch beyond the 5-6 inning in the NL because he'ii be losing and will need to be pinch-hit for. so much for 200 inning pitched yrs.

ha-ha-ha!

"Where you start is not as important as where you finish."- Zig Ziglar

by bigelephant on Dec 28, 2006 11:28 AM PST reply actions

idiot boras? .500 pitcher?

uh, we may not like baseball's uneven playing field, but, idiot? his job is to get a big contract for barry, and i'd say that he did it.

.500 pitcher? much better than that, even with the A's lack of run support.

by danh on Dec 28, 2006 11:37 AM PST up reply actions

Goodness...

Boras is NOT an idiot, you may hate the guy, but he is smart and does exceptionally well for his clients. There is a recent people hire him.

And calling Zito a .500 pitcher is just so off base and just bitter.

Good riddance? Yea, we should hate the guy who left for $18 million a year when the A's didnt even try to keep him? Give me a break.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Dec 28, 2006 12:51 PM PST up reply actions

OK,

to rehash the same old shit again for you:

If you look at pretty much all other pro sports they all have financial restrains to create a fair and balanced playing field-except MLB. MLB offers the type of financial landscape that spawns a manipulator and a whore like Boras. It's the reason why most MLB teams refuse to even deal with the man. He is bad for the game. He's a idiot. Purely subjective, I know, but that's the way i feel. End of story
"And calling Zito a .500 pitcher is just so off base and just bitter". Typical response by those who love their Zito. Which I am fine with but certainly not "bitter". Actually I kinda laughed when you called me bitter...i'm fuckin' giddy dude, not bitter! Well, actually, WHAT I AM bitter about is after going 23-6 Zito offered 4 rather mediocre yrs going 55-46. So, ya, I guess I'm just a tad pissed with our good 'ol buddy Barry. Plus, maybe you can explain to me how calling out Zito as "basically a .500 pitcher" being bitter? Ain't it the truth OTP?
"Good riddance? Yea, we should hate the guy who left for $18 million a year when the A's didnt even try to keep him? Give me a break."

I think you misunderstand my position on this. To recap: I don't "hate" the guy because he got the richest contract offered in the history of MLB for a pitcher. I could care less where Zito went or how much Zito he got paid. I'm just relieved it wasn't the A's. And I'm relieved someone else will be taking the mound every 5th day for the A's...and not Zito. So please, instead of this candyass "oh, your just bitter and jealous" arguement, pick a new track. It's wearing thin mate.

"Where you start is not as important as where you finish."- Zig Ziglar

by bigelephant on Dec 28, 2006 2:50 PM PST up reply actions

Careful BigE

Keep up this attitude and you'll rival me for resident grouch. ;)

This guy is dead! We'll list him as day-to-day for possible reincarnation.

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Dec 28, 2006 3:46 PM PST up reply actions

well, geesh

i come on and lay down my opinion and the man calls me bitter! bitter!

as for being "your rival". hardly. i, as always, am just an insignificant follower in the wide swath of grouchiness you cut through the AN community.

your humble disciple,

"Where you start is not as important as where you finish."- Zig Ziglar

by bigelephant on Dec 28, 2006 4:37 PM PST up reply actions

Which reminds me

If you wish to continue being my disciple, tuition is due by January 1st.

This guy is dead! We'll list him as day-to-day for possible reincarnation.

A's Medical Staff, 2006

by grover on Dec 28, 2006 5:46 PM PST up reply actions

Wow

Someone already updated Wikipedia.

Huh. I always thought that baseball's version of a home run is the motherf---ing home run itself. -FJM

by oblique on Dec 28, 2006 11:29 AM PST reply actions

The A's hat is still on him though.

by DaThirdDeck on Dec 28, 2006 11:31 AM PST up reply actions

The best thing about this signing is

seeing Barry with a bat in his hands 130 times a year.

Oh, and the Hudson v Zito / Zito v Mulder games.

by oaklandfan40 on Dec 28, 2006 11:29 AM PST reply actions

he'll learn to bunt

by OaklandSi on Dec 28, 2006 11:34 AM PST up reply actions

I'm callin' it.

Zito hits his first major league HR off of Huddy.

And gets lost trying to find third base.

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Dec 28, 2006 1:16 PM PST up reply actions

Cindi suggested that Zito might even be able to

get a point and a half if he touches the pitcher's mound between third base and home plate.

"Is this heaven? No, it's the f'ing suburbs."

by LAXile on Dec 28, 2006 2:12 PM PST up reply actions

Wait, why are people laughing?

Is it "third plate"? I always forget.

-Cindi.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Dec 28, 2006 2:46 PM PST up reply actions

I'm glad

We knew the A's weren't willing to overspend for him and that he was gone. Who would you rather he sign with? (i wouldn't have minded the mets, but didn't want him in our division or with the yankees). It'll be nice to be able to see him pitch once in a while at SBC or on TV, we'll face him only 1 or 2 x a year. The Giants getting better does not necessarily hurt the A's; it may help increase bay area interest in baseball.

There's a lot of hurt and anger out there, as so people focus on the multiple champions comment. C'mon, did you expect him to say he wanted to play for a loser? In any case, he could've signed with the Royals and claimed that his contract was proof of a renewed dedication of theirs to winning. Besides, it's a long term deal folks, who knows what the Giants team will be like in 2 years?

I'm glad he's going to SF where he can continue to be himself rather than to NY where he might have to pretend he's someone else like Damon and Giambi all clean shaved and yankee like.

Why do people think his music interferes with his pitching? The music is actually surprisingly good. I can see objecting to surfing for fear of injury.

I've really enjoyed watching him pitch for all these years. I love watching that curve ball. I like that he does not say the same scripted crap that all the other players say; he's more interesting. He's given us all joy more often than not. I wish him well.

by danh on Dec 28, 2006 11:32 AM PST reply actions

I really enjoyed his postseason blog

by OaklandSi on Dec 28, 2006 11:35 AM PST up reply actions

Been adding to the comments section...

...at Tim Kawakami's post:

http://www.mercextra.com/blogs/kawakami/2006/12/28/giants-land-zito-for-126-million-holy-moly-thats- desperation/

There seems to be a lot of jubilation among Giants fans, and I just don't get it. Their response tends to fall among these two patterns:

Who cares if we overpaid? It's what the market's demanding, and we could use a good pitcher.
If you criticize the signing, you know nothing about baseball, or you're just jealous.

Yeesh. Any Giants fans here who DON'T fall among the above? Because maybe it's just my following a team that spends its money more carefully, but I just don't get it.

by sarchasmic on Dec 28, 2006 11:37 AM PST reply actions

Look at my post above

I gave my 13 reasons for jubilation.

With regard to the overpaying thing... I'm just happy that the Giants are going after a higher class of player than they have been recently. I also don't hold any hope that a lower payroll translates to fan savings at the park... so why get all freaked about the money?

If more dollars to Zito translates to less to spend on guys like Matheny, Alfonzo, Finley, Benitez, and Cruz, then I'm all for it.

by achiappanza on Dec 28, 2006 11:51 AM PST up reply actions

I'd feel similarly as a Giants fan:

As a fan, I don't spend the money so the money amount is somewhat abstract. Especially with a team that, unlike the A's, has a fluid/flexible budget. Meanwhile, though I'm not much of a Zito fan even I would say that adding Barry Zito improves any rotation. So from the Giant fan's persepective, S.F. just improved its rotation for "nothing"--at least nothing in the way of player talent, which is all I can "see".

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Dec 28, 2006 11:51 AM PST up reply actions

In other news, Barry Zito learns...

...to play a few Kingston Trio songs on his guitar.

On deck: Peter Paul & Mary, the Mills Brothers.

The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus

by The Dogfather on Dec 28, 2006 11:38 AM PST reply actions

You knew it was coming

Add in his troops thing, and Zito's got Bob Roberts written all over him.

"Ever get the feeling you've been cheated?" --Johnny Rotten

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Dec 28, 2006 1:45 PM PST up reply actions

and if he ever shows up w/Face-Lick Girl ...

... he'll have Oral Roberts written all over him.

you corrupt bitches @('.')@

by monkeyball on Dec 28, 2006 4:54 PM PST up reply actions

They're obviously building for the future

and will get much younger over the next few years. The Gnats had to overpay to get Z and will let the old guys go and be a totally different team in two years, much better and younger in a weaker division. Nice move for them and for Barry, who gets to stay "home".

by A'sfansince1970 on Dec 28, 2006 11:43 AM PST reply actions

Fuck it, dude: let's go bowling

"Is this heaven? No, it's the f'ing suburbs."

by LAXile on Dec 28, 2006 11:49 AM PST reply actions

Know what's worst about this?

My foolish Giant fan coworkers are going to love it. I had them convinced Barry was going to the Mets, even when they said $100M was coming his way in San Francisco.

Won't it be interesting to see Zito pitch against us during the Bay Bridge series?

More than just ANtics: http://www.louisgray.com/live/

by louismg on Dec 28, 2006 11:54 AM PST reply actions

On the upside,

this deal will probably bite them in the butt in five years, and they'll be sinking a ton of money into him. So if you're patient, you'll have your shot to gloat at your coworkers?

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Dec 28, 2006 1:17 PM PST up reply actions

Why I like this...

I think this is actually one of the better, if not best, places for Zito to go for A's fans. If he went to the Mets, we would've gotten an even lower pick. As bad as his control is, I still would not have liked to see him at an AL West rival. And Yankees would've just been cruel. So the Giants aren't too bad. And we get to see him every now and then for those who aren't bitter. Plus, I live and work in SF so maybe I'll get to run into him sometime.

On the other hand, I can see Zito hanging out more with his old pals than with his new teammates.

by jeffreak on Dec 28, 2006 12:05 PM PST reply actions

no trade clause?

according to the blog listed below Zito got a complete no-trade clause; however, I haven't been able to corroborate that anywhere else.

http://www.mlb4u.com/rumor.php?order=date&spec=DESC

by OaklandSi on Dec 28, 2006 1:42 PM PST reply actions

NY going nuts

Anyway, talked to my friend in NY and he said Mets fans are furious and talking gloom and doom. They were sure Zito was coming to them. The Mets and Minaya brought there poker faces and thought they were in the drivers seat but found out they were in that middle fold down seat in the back of the SUV-the one with the hump that hurts your backside after 20 minutes.

So Mets big big losers here, they need pitching and so do the Jays.

I think Phillies have a good chance to compete with the Mets this year as well.

by apilgrim on Dec 28, 2006 6:46 PM PST reply actions